2023-12-08 10:02:25
When the snow starts falling, there’s no place better than Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to kick off the ski season. We have the most ski-resort options in North America (28 in total!), one of the longest ski seasons in the world and some of the most diverse terrain to tantalize skiers of all stripes. So strap on your boots, tighten your goggles and slide into these extraordinary resorts throughout the state. The ski areas and resorts listed in this section have adaptive adventures for visitors of all abilities. Check their individual sites to find the one that best suits you — program offerings range from adaptive ski equipment, guides for people with visual impairments, experiences for people on the autistic spectrum and more. Aspen Aspen Snowmass’ light-and-dry powder makes for a legendary downhill experience. This area is a snow globe of picture-perfect frosted mountains, complete with four resorts that cater to all skill levels and offer tons of seasonal ski events. Whether you’re here for the technical terrain of Highlands, the infinite options in Snowmass, the expert-level trails throughout Aspen Mountain or the more subtle descents at Buttermilk, these four mountains give you lots of options in very close proximity. Once you’re done for the day, treat yourself to some tunes at the renowned Belly Up Aspen, an intimate concert venue that features big-name artists year-round. Wolf Creek Wolf Creek is a little San Juan Mountain jewel best known for getting the most snow of any resort in Colorado — an astounding annual average of 430 inches. If you like floating on powder, this is your destination. The Wolf Pups Program is an ideal way to ensure your kids become lifelong powder lovers, and the mountain is a manageable size for families who want to go their own way and then come back together with ease. When the day is done, head either way over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa Springs for hot springs, sleigh rides and snowshoeing, or to South Fork for top-notch snowmobiling and ice fishing. Vail Winter-sports lovers travel from around the world to experience Vail’s peak ski conditions. Featuring more than 5,200 acres of terrain, this is the place to carve the perfect winter getaway. Choose your own adventure on 195 unique runs catered to all skill levels and drop right into one of their seven acclaimed back bowls to glide on wide-open terrain with unmatched vertical. Then, close out the day by heading into Vail Village to grab a hot cocoa and walk through the storybook, Bavarian-style hamlet where some of the state’s best après-ski restaurants and nightlife await. Breckenridge Breckenridge truly has something for everyone: long groomed trails, monster mogul runs, steep chutes, glades and plenty of family-friendly beginner areas. Featuring five peaks and 187 trails, you can spend days on the mountains and only scratch the surface. The resort was one of the first to welcome snowboarders on the slopes and their Freeway Terrain Park is arguably one of the best in North America. Once you finish out your day, wander into the historical downtown to munch on cheesy slices at local pizza joints. Then, stop into the town’s bars and breweries to drink world-famous beers, chat and dance. Ski Cooper The former training site of the 10th Mountain Division, the legendary World War II ski troops, Ski Cooper’s role in our nation’s history is one of a kind. Its sweeping runs follow some of the same paths used by the soldiers who skied Europe’s mountain battlefields — one of the reasons the state’s newest monument was recently established there as the Camp-Hale Continental Divide National Monument. Today, it’s popular with families looking for a cheerful and low-stress skiing holiday and snowshoers headed to its Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, a yurt serving delicious Colorado fare that’s reached via 1-mile groomed trek. Telluride Nestled in a box canyon, Telluride’s downtown is right at the base of their picture-perfect ski mountain. So, you can head straight to San Juan Avenue and hop on a quick gondola ride. From there, zip over a soaring ridge and coast into a winter wonderland of groomed runs, challenging moguls and freestyle parks. If you want a bit of a cardio challenge with a big payoff, try their lesser-traveled hike-to terrain, which is almost always covered in a fresh blanket of snow. After a day of traversing, stop into the Victorian-era historic district where you can shop, dine and learn all about the area’s silver-mining past, or stay on the mountain to dine at the ski-in Alpino Vino, one of the highest elevation restaurants in North America, and enjoy the unmatched views. Loveland Loveland Ski Area averages more annual snowfall than any other Front Range ski spot — more than 400 inches! That means you’re likely to find untracked snow even days after a storm. Two separate base areas make up the resort: Loveland Valley caters to beginners with wide-open terrain and gentle slopes, while Loveland Basin challenges intermediate to advanced skiers and riders with runs steep and deep. Because of its high-altitude location, Loveland is always one of the first ski areas in the nation to open and one of the last to close each year. Have a soft spot for the backcountry? Climb aboard a snowcat tour, where guides navigate intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders to some of the best hidden-gem locations in Dry Gulch. Winter Park Award-winning and wide-ranging terrain is one of the major reasons Winter Park is beloved by locals. Families flock to the Winter Park side, with tons of approachable greens and blues — and an entire section dedicated to education for all ages. Meanwhile, the Mary Jane side attracts ski and snowboard fanatics, and is known for its expert-level, mogul-heavy terrain and exhilarating tree runs. When you’re ready to kick back for your après, the town has tons of cozy bars and restaurants where you can rest and refuel. One of the resort’s best conveniences is the Winter Park Express, an Amtrak route that runs from Denver’s Union Station directly to the Winter Park base area, so you can squeeze in a few extra runs with all the time you’ve saved getting there. Eldora Eldora’s proximity to Boulder and Denver is one of the reasons it’s known as a “locals’ mountain.” The fact that they have terrain to keep the whole family busy all day doesn’t hurt either. The Eldora Nordic Center features a network of nearly 25 miles of peaceful cross-country-ski and snowshoe trails just steps from the downhill ski area. Woodward Eldora, part of the well-known action-sports Woodward family, uses its progression-based system to teach anyone to master new tricks and skills on snowboards or skis. Crested Butte With wide-open green and blue trails, expert bowls and plenty of unexplored lines and uncrowded slopes, there are countless thrilling options for all skill levels at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. For a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience, check out their Ski with an Olympian program, where you can take a lesson with Olympic freeskiing champion Wendy Fisher. Once you’ve put away your skis and boards, consider a more relaxing activity. Spend the evening sinking into a soothing massage at Creekside Spa, where you can remove any knots earned on a long day of shredding. Steamboat Famous for their Champagne Powder®, the snow at Steamboat Ski Resort is light, dry, smooth and only found in this 124-year-old Western town. With six stunning peaks and 3,000 acres of terrain, this spot has so many sprawling hills to traverse. High-proficiency skiers should head to the highest point, Mount Werner, for panoramic snowcapped mountain views that will take your breath away and deliver a next-level downhill run. For an extra tree-lined challenge, Steamboat delivers unique aspen glades. After you clock out on the trails, stop in town to grab a bite and experience the friendly, down-home roots that keep people coming back year after year. Purgatory Purgatory’s unintimidating slopes, Old West fun park, sleigh rides, mountain coaster, Pitchfork Terrain Garden beginners’ park and affordable lodging are all things that make it a favorite with families. Within its boundaries are 105 trails, four terrain parks, a racing course and 35,000 acres of snowcat skiing and snowboarding. Experienced skiers and riders can make a snowcat reservation to access all that terrain — up to 10 runs — with lunch provided and backcountry instruction from highly trained guides. BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY Headed into backcountry territory? Be sure to research your destination, check the avalanche forecast, and get proper equipment and training. Pro tip: Go with an experienced guide! Pick your perfect spot from all 28 resorts on Colorado.com
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